Discover 5 actionable ways to use technology to make more profit in 2025 even if you hate computers
Introduction: Don't Fear Tech – It Can Grow Your Sales
Most Nigerian small businesses think tech is ‘not for them.’ But the truth is—those who use simple tools like WhatsApp or Google Maps often make 5–6× more sales. The best part? You don’t need to be ‘good with computers’—just a phone is enough. In fact, only about 7% of microenterprises in Africa use smartphones or computers for business, and 71% say "no need" for digital tools. Yet those that do go online see huge gains – one IFC/World Bank study found micro-businesses using digital tools had 6× higher sales than those who didn't!
Even if you "hate computers," remember that almost all of these tools run on your phone. Nigeria now has over 163 million people connected to the internet, and millions of potential customers searching online. By following a few simple steps below – mostly free or very cheap – you can reach those customers and boost your profits, without becoming a tech guru. You don’t need special skills—just a willingness to try.
1. Reach More Customers for Free with WhatsApp Business & Social Media
Join social media: Social platforms are free and hugely popular in Nigeria. There are 31.6 million social media users in Nigeria (about 14% of the population), and surveys show around 64% of small businesses already use social media for marketing. Setting up a Facebook page or Instagram account for your business costs nothing but a little time. Post photos of your products, run simple promos or contests, and respond to comments. This keeps you visible and builds trust.
Use WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp is even simpler – it works on any smartphone. Create a free WhatsApp Business account to send product catalogs and updates to customers, and to answer their questions. You can broadcast messages to many customers at once (with their permission).
Since 88% of Nigerian online purchases happen on mobile phones, talking to customers via WhatsApp lets you meet them where they already are. Customers love quick answers, and by staying in touch on social or WhatsApp you keep them engaged.
2. Be Found on Google – Local SEO & Business Listings
Claim your Google Business Profile: Make sure your shop or service shows up when people search online. Create a free Google Business (Maps) listing so your name, address, phone and hours appear in Google Search and Maps. BrightLocal found that 66% of consumers trust Google when researching a local business. In contrast, 62% of customers would avoid a business if they found incorrect info online. Keeping your Google listing accurate (photo, address, phone number) means more people can find and trust you.
Do simple local SEO: Even if you don't have a website yet, use keywords in any online description (like your Google listing or Facebook page) that customers might search. For example, "bookshop in Abuja" or "mobile phone repair in Lagos." When your page or site uses local keywords, Google will rank you higher in local searches.
Remember, 93% of "near me" searches show a map of businesses and 76% of people who search "near me" visit a store within a day. In short: being on Google with correct info turns searches into foot traffic and sales, without extra cost.
3. Build a Simple Website (or Online Shop)
Why a website matters: Think of a website as your online shop that's open 24/7. Even a basic site boosts credibility – BrightLocal reports a business's own website is the third-most trusted source (36% of people) after Google and Maps. In practical terms, a website lets customers see your full product list, location, or menu anytime. IFC/World Bank research shows firms using digital tools (like a website or app) reported 2.8× productivity and 6× higher sales. In other words, having a site can literally make more customers and income.
Keep it cheap and easy: You don't need fancy tech skills. You can reach out to us to help set up a simple site on a phone-friendly platform. We have very low-cost packages for Nigerian businesses. Make sure the site is mobile-friendly and lists your products/services, prices, and contact info.
(Tip: include the keywords you used on Google earlier, so the site appears in searches.) We specializes in custom websites for small businesses – they handle the tech for you at an affordable rate. Even if you're "computer-phobic," a little time invested here can pay off: customers who find you online are ready to buy.
4. Accept Easy Digital Payments
Offer mobile money and POS options: Many customers are shifting to electronic payments. Nigeria processed 7.9 billion real-time digital transactions in 2024, making us Africa's most advanced e-payments market. This includes mobile banking, POS, and payment apps. While cash-on-delivery is still common, giving customers a way to pay with their phone or card can increase sales. For example, add a simple POS machine, or sign up for payment links (Flutterwave, Paystack, Moniepoint, etc.) that let customers transfer money easily.
Build trust with secure pay: When a customer can pay electronically, it often feels safer. Since 23% of Nigerians still pay cash on delivery, you can honor that preference too, but also train customers on your phone/USSD account for quicker transactions. Keeping digital receipts or SMS confirmations (even handwritten notes) also shows professionalism. The key is to remove friction: the easier you make payment (even via bank transfer or mobile money), the more likely a customer will complete the purchase.
5. Use Free Tech Tools & Learn Online
Track what works with free tools: Once you're online, use free analytics to see what customers do. For example, Google Analytics (free) can tell you how many people visit your site or click your ads. Facebook and Instagram have built-in insights too (showing likes, shares, reach). You don't need to master them fully – even checking monthly or asking an assistant to report can guide your next promotion. A little information (like which product got more clicks) helps you focus on what sells.
Take free online courses: You don't have to pay to learn. Tech giants run free digital skills training in Nigeria. For instance, Microsoft partnered with the government to train 5 million youths in tech skills, and Google offers free courses in online marketing and web design. YouTube and social media also have countless tutorials in local languages.
[Image: Screenshot of free digital skills courses available to Nigerians (Google Digital Skills, Microsoft Learn, YouTube tutorials)]
Spending a few hours on these can give you tips (like writing better ad copy or taking nicer product photos). Remember, even small improvements can lead to big sales. For example, learning to reply quickly to customer messages (or even using simple chat replies) can turn browsers into buyers – 88% of consumers trust businesses that respond to online feedback. (It doesn't cost anything to say thank you or "we're open" in a comment!)
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Technology doesn't have to be scary or expensive. By using free social apps, getting listed on Google, having even a simple website, and accepting mobile payments, you tap into the 100+ million Nigerians online. These steps are low-cost and phone-friendly, but they can multiply your customers. In fact, businesses that adopt digital tools tend to grow faster – it's just smart business.
If you're ready to start but don't know where to begin, contact us. We offer affordable custom websites and web apps for small businesses in Nigeria. You won't need to set up the tech yourself – Wumicodes will build a mobile-friendly site that lists your products, so you can reach customers online easily.
Checkout our work for our clients
Even if you really hate "computers," a simple website from us can handle the technical side for you. Try it out and see how these tech tips turn into real profit!
Sources: Research and data from credible industry and government reports. These support the tips above and show how tech can boost small business sales.
Key References:
- IFC Digital Technologies Report - Digital tools impact on African businesses
- Nigeria Digital Economy Guide - Internet penetration and digital initiatives
- BrightLocal Trust Report - Consumer trust in local business sources
- Nigeria E-commerce Data - Mobile commerce and payment preferences